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Intel Core i7 6850K Review | 78 Data compared

Avg. price: ~£300
PassMark benchmark result: 11377
N. of physical cores: 6
CPU boost clock speed: 4.0 GHz

Intel Core i7 6850K review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

5.3

Good

4.9

Poor

8.7

Excellent

3.7
Gaming
Score components:
30.0%
3.9
PassMark single-core benchmark score
25.0%
3.5
Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score
20.0%
4.6
CPU boost clock speed
17.0%
3.1
L3 cache
8.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
3.1
Video editing
Score components:
45.0%
3.0
Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score
20.0%
2.6
N. of physical cores
20.0%
4.0
CPU threads
15.0%
3.1
L3 cache

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Verdict

The Intel Core i7-6850K is a high-end desktop processor from the Broadwell-E family, featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and a 140W TDP. It operates at a base clock of 3.6 GHz with a Max Turbo frequency of 3.8 GHz (up to 4.0 GHz with Turbo Boost Max 3.0) and includes 15 MB of L3 cache. Main pros include its 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes for multi-GPU setups, quad-channel DDR4 memory support up to 128 GB, and an unlocked multiplier for overclocking. However, cons include high power consumption, the requirement for an expensive X99 (LGA 2011-v3) motherboard, and the lack of integrated graphics.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 6850K

Overall score

5.3

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.

Platform

7.6

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel

Processor type

What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.

When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

CPU socket

What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.

When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

Chipset

What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.

When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

Intel X99

CPU architecture

What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.

When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

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Performance

4.6

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N. of physical cores

What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.

When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

CPU threads

What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.

When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

Threads per core

What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.

When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

CPU boost clock speed

What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.

When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

CPU base clock speed

What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.

When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Cache & Architecture

4.7

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Semiconductor size

What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.

When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

Foundry

What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.

When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

L3 cache

What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.

When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

L2 cache

What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.

When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

L1 cache

What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.

When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

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Memory & PCIe

7.1

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DDR memory version

What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.

When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

Maximum memory speed

What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

Max memory speed (JEDEC)

What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.

When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)

What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.

When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

?

Maximum memory capacity

What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.

When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

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Integrated Graphics

2.8

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Integrated graphics

What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.

When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

Integrated GPU model

What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.

When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Integrated GPU execution units

What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.

When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

N/A

Integrated GPU base frequency

What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.

When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

N/A

Integrated media encoders/decoders

What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.

When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

N/A

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Power & Thermal

3.3

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TDP (Thermal design power)

What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.

When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

Base power (PL1)

What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.

When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

Boost power (PL2)

What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.

When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

Tau (power duration limit)

What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.

When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

?

Configurable TDP

What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.

When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

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Intel Core i7 6850K vs the average processor

Why is Intel Core i7 6850K better than the average processor?

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24 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 6850K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
What it is: The number of PCIe lanes provided directly by the processor.
When it matters: When you connect fast GPUs, SSDs, or expansion cards.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=20
Intel Core i7 6850K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.40 vs 16
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 6850K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
What it is: Has an unlocked CPU multiplier, which makes manual CPU overclocking much easier on supported platforms.
When it matters: When you plan to push clock speeds beyond stock settings instead of leaving the processor completely at default behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i7 6850K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i7 6850K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
What it is: Allows memory speeds beyond official stock settings through manual tuning or profile-based overclocking.
When it matters: When you want to push RAM performance higher than stock support allows, especially in enthusiast or gaming builds.
Importance: MEDIUM
Intel Core i7 6850K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
45.9% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 6850K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=2 MB/core
Intel Core i7 6850K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
67.7% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
What it is: The maximum theoretical memory bandwidth the processor can support.
When it matters: When memory-heavy workloads matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >75 GB/s
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i7 6850K has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >=128 GB
Intel Core i7 6850K has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.128 GB vs 64 GB
4 more CPU threads
Intel Core i7 6850K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: 16+
Intel Core i7 6850K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.12 vs 8
8.64x more popular
Intel Core i7 6850K is more popular than the average processor (8.64 vs 1,000).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
Intel Core i7 6850K is more popular than the average processor (8.64 vs 1,000).8.64 vs 1
Unlocked for overclocking
Intel Core i7 6850K has an unlocked multiplier, the average processor does not.
4 more CPU threads
Intel Core i7 6850K has more CPU threads than the average processor (12 vs 8). The average processor has 8 CPU threads.
45.9% more L3 per core
Intel Core i7 6850K has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2.5 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
87.5% larger L3 cache
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher L3 cache than the average processor (15 MB vs 8 MB). The average processor has L3 cache of 8 MB.
24 more PCIe lanes
Intel Core i7 6850K has more PCIe lanes than the average processor (40 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
Supports memory overclocking
Intel Core i7 6850K supports memory overclocking, the average processor does not.
67.7% higher memory bandwidth
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher memory bandwidth than the average processor (76.8 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
2x more memory capacity
Intel Core i7 6850K has more maximum memory capacity than the average processor (128 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.

Cache & Architecture

Why is Intel Core i7 6850K worse than the average processor?

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4 year/s older release date
Intel Core i7 6850K has an older release date than the average processor (2016 vs 2020).
May 2,016
No crypto acceleration
Intel Core i7 6850K does not include crypto acceleration, the average processor does.
Narrower instruction support
Intel Core i7 6850K supports a narrower instruction set than the average processor (MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES vs MMX, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSSE3, SSE4A, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, AVX, AVX2, F16C, FMA3, AES, SHA).
7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
15.1% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,249 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
3.9% weaker single-core performance
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,387 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
38.2% larger die size
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 6850K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
40% smaller L2 cache
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1.5 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
Less advanced microarchitecture
Intel Core i7 6850K uses a less advanced microarchitecture than the average processor (Broadwell vs Kaby Lake).
18.2% lower memory speed
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,400 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
2 fewer memory channels
Intel Core i7 6850K has fewer memory channels than the average processor (4 vs 2). The average processor supports 2 memory channels.
No integrated graphics
Intel Core i7 6850K does not include integrated graphics, the average processor does.
3.11x higher base power
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
2.19x higher boost power
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
3.11x higher TDP
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
No configurable TDP
Intel Core i7 6850K does not support configurable TDP, the average processor does.
3.11x higher base power
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher base power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.140 W vs 45 W
2.19x higher boost power
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <50 W
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher boost power draw than the average processor (140 W vs 64 W). The average processor has a boost power draw of 64 W.140 W vs 64 W
16.7% larger process node
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <10 nm
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
38.2% larger die size
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.
Importance: LOW
Good value: <150 mm²
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher die size than the average processor (246 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².246 mm² vs 178 mm²
50% less L2 per core
Intel Core i7 6850K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=1 MB/core
Intel Core i7 6850K has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
7% lower boost clock
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >4.7 GHz
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.4.0 GHz vs 4.3 GHz
3.11x higher TDP
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: <30 W
Intel Core i7 6850K has a higher TDP than the average processor (140 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.140 W vs 45 W
15.1% lower single-core score
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,249 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
What it is: A Geekbench 6 score that reflects single-core CPU performance in mixed modern workloads.
When it matters: When you care about snappy everyday performance in lighter apps, browsing, office work, or tasks that do not scale well across many cores.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >2000
Intel Core i7 6850K has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,249 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.1,249 vs 1,471

Cache & Architecture

Integrated Graphics

Power & Thermal

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 6850K and other processors

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom

(Reviews last updated: May 2026)

What customers like about Intel Core i7 6850K?

High PCIe lane count (40 lanes), ideal for multi-GPU (SLI/Crossfire) setups and NVMe storage without bandwidth bottlenecks.
Strong multi-threaded performance for 2016-era workloads like video rendering, 3D modeling, and encoding.
Unlocked multiplier allows for relatively easy overclocking, often reaching 4.2-4.4 GHz with proper cooling.
Supports quad-channel DDR4 memory, providing significantly more memory bandwidth than mainstream platforms of its time.
Solder-based Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) helps with thermal management compared to later thermal paste applications.

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 6850K?

High Thermal Design Power (TDP) of 140W leads to significant heat output and high power consumption.
Poor value proposition at launch due to a high MSRP ($600+) for only marginal gains over the cheaper i7-6800K.
Single-core performance is lower than contemporary mainstream chips like the i7-6700K, making it less ideal for pure gaming.
Requires expensive X99 enthusiast-grade motherboards, further increasing the total system cost.
Currently considered an 'ancient relic' for modern builds (2025/2026), as budget modern CPUs easily outperform it in every metric.

Expert reviews

tomshardware.com

30/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6850K: Overclocking, Power & Temperatures Would you like me to find benchmarks comparing this model specifically against newer generatio...

The Tom’s Hardware review of Intel’s Broadwell-E lineup highlights the Core i7-6950X as a, 10-core flagship offering exceptional multi-threaded performance, 14nm efficiency, and Turbo Boost Max 3.0, though it is hindered by a high $1,723 price point and limited utilization in gaming. While the 8-core and 6-core models provide a path for upgrading to the X99 platform, they face...Read more

guru3d.com

04/05/2016

Core i7-6850K Versus i7-5820K Benchmarks

The Guru3D benchmark review compares the Haswell-E i7-5820K to the 14nm Broadwell-E i7-6850K, noting that while both are 6-core/12-thread units with 140W TDPs, the newer model offers improved IPC and a higher 3.6 GHz base clock. When locked at 4.2 GHz for comparison, the i7-6850K showed superior performance, scoring 19,065 in 3DMark Firestrike Physics and 1,311 in Cinebench R15...Read more

techpowerup.com

03/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6850K Pictured, Tested | TechPowerUp

The TechPowerUp review of the 14nm Broadwell-E Core i7-6850K reveals a six-core, twelve-thread processor with 40 PCIe lanes, designed for the LGA2011-v3 socket and featuring a thinner PCB with a thicker integrated heatspreader. Benchmarks show a 10-15% performance improvement over the i7-5820K in heavily threaded tasks like Cinebench R15 and 3DMark Physics, though gaming...Read more

pcgamer.com

25/08/2016

Intel Core i7-6850K Review - PC Gamer

The Intel Core i7-6850K is a high-end Broadwell-E processor offering a six-core, twelve-thread configuration with a 3.6GHz base clock, designed primarily for enthusiasts rather than mainstream users. While it provides 40 PCIe lanes—a significant advantage over the 6800K for complex multi-GPU setups—PC Gamer found it only offers marginal performance gains in CPU-heavy tasks and...Read more

bit-tech.net

18/07/2016

Intel Core i7-6850K (Broadwell-E) Review | bit-tech.net(www.anandtech.com) | May 31 2016 | The Intel Broadwell-E Review: Core i7-6950X, i7-6900K, i7-6...

The Bit-Tech review of the Intel Core i7-6800K (Broadwell-E) identifies the 14nm, six-core/12-thread CPU as a solid entry-level enthusiast chip for the LGA2011-v3 platform, featuring Turbo Boost Max 3.0 to boost top-performing cores to 3.8GHz. Offering improved efficiency over its predecessor, it provides strong multi-threaded performance, making it ideal for rendering and video...Read more

guru3d.com

31/05/2016

Core i7 6950X / 6900K / 6850K & 6800K Processor Review

The Guru3D review of Intel’s Broadwell-E lineup features the 10-core, 20-thread Core i7-6950X, a 14nm enthusiast CPU utilizing existing X99 motherboards and Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0. Offering superior performance in multi-threaded tasks like 3D rendering, the lineup shows little gaming advantage over cheaper quad-core options, with the i7-6800K highlighted as a better value...Read more

tomshardware.com

30/05/2016

Broadwell-E: Intel Core i7-6950X, 6900K, 6850K & 6800K Review

Intel's Broadwell-E lineup, featuring the 10-core Core i7-6950X on a 14nm process, delivers unprecedented multi-threaded performance for the X99 platform and LGA 2011-v3 socket. The series introduces Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 to enhance single-threaded tasks and supports quad-channel DDR4-2400 memory. While offering immense power for content creation, the lineup includes 6-core...Read more

tomshardware.com

30/05/2016

Broadwell-E: Intel Core i7-6950X, 6900K, 6850K & 6800K Review (Productivity Benchmarks)

The Tom's Hardware review of Intel’s Broadwell-E series highlights a major shift to 14nm high-end desktop (HEDT) CPUs, featuring the 10-core/20-thread Core i7-6950X, 8-core 6900K, and 6-core 6850K/6800K models, with supported DDR4-2400 memory. The lineup offers substantial performance gains in multi-threaded tasks, such as 3D rendering and video encoding, and maintains compatibility...Read more

hardware.fr

08/08/2016

Intel Broadwell-E: i7-6950X, 6900K and 6800K review

The Hardware.fr review of the Intel Core i7-6700K and i5-6600K marks the introduction of the 14nm Skylake architecture, featuring the new LGA 1151 socket and Z170 chipset, which provides native DDR4 support and increased PCIe lanes. These processors boast improved IPC (Instructions Per Cycle) and robust gaming performance, particularly appealing to users upgrading from significantly...Read more

vonguru.fr

04/05/2016

Broadwell-E Core i7-6850K vs Core i7-5820K: A 10% Performance Boost?

The Vonguru review highlights the architectural shift from Haswell-E to 14nm Broadwell-E, with the Core i7-6850K featuring a thinner substrate and larger IHS for improved IPC, providing a roughly 10% performance gain over the i7-5820K. Benchmarks indicate the 6850K excels in CPU-intensive tasks, delivering superior Cinebench R15 scores (1311 vs 1191) and roughly 15% better 3DMark...Read more

tomshardware.fr

31/05/2016

Broadwell-E Review: Core i7-6950X, 6900K, 6850K, and 6800K break records

Intel's Broadwell-E launch introduces the 10-core Core i7-6950X, 8-core i7-6900K, and 6-core i7-6850K/6800K, utilizing a 14nm process compatible with existing X99 motherboards via BIOS update. The lineup features Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, which enhances single-threaded performance by identifying the fastest core, alongside record-breaking multi-threaded capabilities ideal for...Read more

elchapuzasinformatico.com

04/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6850K 'Broadwell-E' vs Intel Core i7-5820K 'Haswell-E'

The Intel Core i7-6850K offers a refined 14nm Broadwell-E architecture over the 22nm Haswell-E i7-5820K, featuring 6 cores, 12 threads, and higher base (3.6 GHz) and boost (4.0 GHz) frequencies. Performance benchmarks indicate modest, rather than revolutionary, gains over its predecessor. Key advantages (pros) include 40 PCIe lanes for superior multi-GPU setups and native DDR4-2400...Read more

tomshw.it

01/06/2016

Intel Core i7-6850K: overclocking, power consumption and temperatures

The Tom’s Hardware review identifies the Intel Core i7-6850K (Broadwell-E) as a 6-core/12-thread processor offering strong stock performance and 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, making it superior to the i7-6800K for multi-GPU setups. While offering solid gaming and professional performance, a key con is its high $617 launch price, which provides minimal performance gains over cheaper 6-core...Read more

tomshw.it

31/05/2016

Intel Core i7-6950X, 6900K, 6850K and 6800K Review

The Intel Broadwell-E series, including the flagship 10-core/20-thread Core i7-6950X, delivers unparalleled multi-threaded performance for the X99 platform, utilizing a 14nm process and supporting DDR4-2400 memory. Key advantages include the introduction of Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for better single-core efficiency and, for most models, 40 PCIe 3.0 lanes, though the i7-6800K...Read more

nl.hardware.info

09/06/2016

Intel Core i7 6900K / 6850K / 6800K Broadwell-E review: the more affordable models - Test procedure

The Intel Core i7-6800K, 6850K, and 6900K, based on the 14nm Broadwell-E architecture, provide significant multi-threaded performance for the X99 platform, featuring Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 for enhanced single-core speeds. While the 8-core 6900K and 6-core 6850K offer 40 PCIe lanes, the 6-core 6800K is limited to 28, often failing to outpace cheaper mainstream chips in...Read more

tweakers.net

31/05/2016

Broadwell-E: Ten Cores for the First Time

The Tweakers review for Broadwell-E highlights the Intel Core i7-6950X as the first consumer-grade, 10-core/20-thread processor, delivering a 20-35% performance increase in multi-threaded tasks over its predecessor. Featuring the 14nm architecture and Turbo Boost Max 3.0, the chip dominates content creation but suffers from a very high $1,723 price point, with little advantage for...Read more

tweakers.net

03/05/2016

Benchmarks show performance gains of Intel Core i7-6850K over i7-5820K

Early benchmarks indicate the Intel Core i7-6850K (Broadwell-E) offers a roughly 10% IPC improvement over the i7-5820K (Haswell-E), driven by a 14nm process, with notable gains in Cinebench R15 (1311 vs 1191 points) and 3DMark Physics. The 6850K boasts higher stock clocks (3.6GHz base), improved efficiency, and support for faster 2400MHz DDR4 RAM, though it requires a 1.12mm thinner...Read more

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